John Ross Caton

John Ross Caton, lovingly known as Bobo, passed away at home surrounded by his wife and children on September 10, 2026. He was born on October 17, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, where he spent his childhood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ann M. McKeown and Edmund Caton, and his brother, Michael F. Caton.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Jan Lee Sanders Caton; children, Meghan Murali (Arun), Matthew F. Caton (Jamie), and Colleen Wells (Richmond); siblings, Virginia Acheson (Bill) and Chris Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was grandfather to eight and great-grandfather to three.

John graduated from Butler University in Indianapolis with a degree in Business in 1969. He spent most of his career at Gove Associates, later known as Fleis & VandenBrink, an architectural and engineering firm, where he was an accomplished sales director and part owner. His gift of gab and keen intellect were part of what made him successful.

His greatest love was his family.

He was an all-around steady voice for his children and enjoyed coaching them throughout the years.

John was an avid fan of Notre Dame football. He also enjoyed being a member of the Butler chain gang for many years, and he was religious about getting up at 5:00 a.m. to run with a good friend and longtime neighbor.

In addition to sports, John loved words and was unmatched in his storytelling. He was an avid reader, especially of nonfiction, and enjoyed writing and jazz music.

Those who knew John would say that, along with his quick wit and sense of humor, he was valued for his positivity, which he displayed right until the end. Many were touched by his preaching of having a PMA – a positive mental attitude.

He taught his children to walk with their heads held high and to persevere, but also when to be humble and never to judge others.

In later years, he worked at the local hospital in Shelbyville as a volunteer, helping patients and offering them large doses of his humor.

John is loved and remembered by so many whose lives he touched.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, September 25, 2026, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 125 E. Broadway Street, Shelbyville.  Following Mass, all are invited to join the family at Capone’s, to continue in the celebration of John’s wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in John’s memory, may be made to the American Association for Cancer Research.

Jewell – Rittman Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.  Visit www.JewellRittman.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.